Practical Tips - Mecca and Masjid-al-Haraam

Preparing Mentally for Mecca:

The city our Rasul SAW loved the most and he said he would never leave it if his own people (Quraish) didn't turn hostile towards him. We love Mecca for various reasons - least of them is Rasul SAW spent 50+ years of his life there. It is natural for any Muslim traveling first time to expect Mecca to be larger than life. Good news is , it is and it is not. Masjid-al-Haraam is perhaps the best place on Earth I have been to. City of Mecca is well developed - but people coming from the West may get slightly disappointed by seeing child beggars, non-metered taxis, chaos on the roads, rudeness of people etc (Just a note to say cleaners, workers and security in Haram are more polite people you will find ). They will need to understand the development of the Saudis in modern sense of the word has only started a few decades ago after oil was discovered. It techincally is still a developing country.

Many people say that they saw Kaabah for the first time and felt nothing emotionally, no tears at all - so is this a normal thing? It is normal. Soften up your heart before you see Kaabah for the first time. Think about times where Quraish were living in this valley and were priests of Kaabah and how much Rasul SAW loved Kaabah and the city. Imagine the last time Rasul SAW might have seen and prayed at Kaabah before Migration to Madinah. Imagine how he must have felt on seeing Kaabah for last time in his life when he was leaving after his last Hajj. Imagine right now all the Muslims across the globe are praying facing towards it. Imagine this is the place from where Rasul SAW started Israa to Masjid-ul-Aqsaa and Meraaj to higher heavens. Imagine this is where famous incidents happened - Ibraahim AS and Ismael AS building it with their own hands, Rasul SAW putting Black stone in place with his own hands, Umar RZ listening to the Quraan recited by Rasul SAW behind its Ghilaaf(Covering), Rasul SAW breaking idols in it with his on hands on the day of  Victory of Mecca. This was the place Abraaha set out to destroy but could not destroy , this is the place mentioned several times in the Quraan - this is Bait-ul-Ateeq - the most ancient sactuary to worship Allah Subhaan-o-Taala. This is the holiest of holies by any standard for us Muslims.

Read about the history of Mecca and especially Kaabah before Hajj. It will make the experience so much real and personal. Pray when you see the Kaabah for the first time - this is something you get reward by merely looking at it.


Masjid-al-Haraam and Kaabah- key landmarks:

Key landmarks near Kaabah

Note: As of 2016, raised Tawaaf ramps have been taken down, and Tawaaf area has been returned to original open plan.

Tawaaf:



Crowd Intensity around Kaabah during Hajj times and Ideal route to take

Eating , Shopping, Visiting other places in Mecca:

Hajj Practical Tips - Ihraam Related

Q: I am traveling to Mecca First - where is it most convenient to go into The state of Ihraam?
A: In this case you will almost certainly be landing in Jeddah, Meeqat nearest to Jeddah comes 5-10 minutes before landing.
Most convenient - Wear it from home itself. No hassle if Airport does not have facilities big enough to do it properly (for men).
Slightly Convenient - Wear at the Airport before or after the security. Try and use disabled toilet due to larger space, but it may raise some eyebrows in some airports/ cultures. Also space available in toilets at airport may be an issue due to Ihraam touching inpurities there.
Least Convenient - On the plane before Meeqat is reached. There will be rush to do so. Some planes may not have areas big enough so only resort will be to use Toilets, which will be much bigger issue due to their small sizes. Your Ihraam will almost certainly catch impurity if done in Plane toilet. So my suggestion is to avoid this.

Q: How to wear Ihraam and manage it after wearing (for Men)?
A: Keeping Ihraam in place can be a big challenge if you are wearing it for the first time. So my tip is to spend some time in Ihraam doing normal things before the travel. This will give you idea how to manage Ihraam.
Lower Ihraam Piece- Do not buy very heavey Ihraam if it will be difficult to walk around. Buy something which is sufficiently thick to cover body contours when worn. My preferred way of wearing this is depicted below. For me, it never slipped or came off even once during Umraah or Hajj. Always wear as high as possible, ensuring knees are covered fully while doing Salaat.
A good quality belt can be used to keep this well in place. Ensure this belt is not heavy or bulky in itself - all you need is strong, lightweight belt that is easy to tie and untie. Another suggestion is to keep a small bundle of string in case belt fails or is impractical - you can easily tie it around waste to keep Ihraam in place firmly.

Upper Ihraam Piece- Surprising upper piece is trickeir to manage than lower piece. It will keep slipping all the time making you uncomfortable. There is no one forumla to keep it in place, because everyone has different body features. Avoid using small safety pins to keep it together it can get a lot messier and will cause tear to Ihraam and hurt your fingers. Instead use either jumbo/ big safety pins or even better office clips.

Do not hurt others with your Ihraam- It is common tendency to throw end of upper Ihraam over the left shoulder. It is only that it can hit people behind. I was hit multiple times by some unknowing gents during Tawaaf , it almost took my glasses off. Be very gentle if you have to do swing it over, or do when there is no one behind you.



Perhaps easiest way to manage Upper Ihraam Piece

Hajj Practical Tips - Introduction, and Items to Pack

I have read a few Hajj guides online and good to see a wealth of information about this important Farz in the life of a Muslim. My objective with this blog is to give future Hajjis an insight into ground level experiences that can give them some ease and comfort.

There are two important points I would like to draw attention to before moving into specific things

1. Hajj in modern times has become at least 10 times easier than it used to be 50 years before. I do remember some Hajjis of my grandparents' era used to go by ships. They did not enjoy comfort of AC and packed food on every step of their journey like we do. The facilities at Hajj were basic then, but above all safety was the biggest concern. Times have moved on. We must first appreciate the luxuries that Allah has bestowed upon us. Hajj is not the time for complaining. Things will go wrong, people will sound or act rude, situation may seem out of hands at times - but have patience. You are doing this for the same of Allah's pleasure so that your efforts are answered and you have a Hajj Mabroor. Best way not to succumb to lowly temptations to complain or crib is to prophesise to your travel mates what you have pledged - that is to have Sabr in all situations, good or bad, and to complete the Hajj without complaining.

2. Always remember - comfort of fellow Muslims is the most important thing for a Muslim during or outside the Hajj. Hurting Muslims knowingly or unknowingly is something that must be avoided at all times as it is despicable act in front of Allah. Always remind yourself about Hadith below during Hajj. Be considerate to all around you , be conscious if anything you do will hurt someone - verbally or physically. Try and share things with fellow Hajjis, give them comfort in the best way you easily can or with some efforts. Always give priority to disabled, weak, elders , kids and women. If you are able bodied then figure out how can you increase your rewards by helping those in need. Always bear in mind, Allah loves the acts which benefit or give comfort to other Muslims - so use times of Hajj to this end to best of your capacity.

Narrated Jabir:

A man passed through the mosque and he was carrying arrows, the heads of which were exposed (protruding). The man was ordered (by the Prophet) to hold the iron heads so that it might not scratch (injure) any Muslim.

(Bukhari Volume 9, Book 88, Hadith 195)



Q: What items should I pack ?
A: Hajj is the time where main priority is Ibaadah and fulfilment of duties of Hajj. All our efforts are focussed on making it Mabroor in the eye of Allah. It is not a holiday making time, nor a relaxing trip for leisure. You carry only what you will need, do not over indulge or be greedy while packing.
I found below was sufficient for me to get along comfortably during Hajj. My advice is to keep luggage to as minimum as possible - never overdo it. It is likely most of items you carry won't even be used.

1. Good quality small backpack. Small yet big enough to hold your footware (you can get a small plastic bag for them that goes into backpack. I ordered another small bag for footware, picture below. It helped me to keep other items clean in backpack), 1-2 one litre water bottles and medicines. Make sure backpack is strong enough to bear pushing and shoving during Tawaaf especially.




Small bag for footware is good investment, along with good quality backpack

2. Medicines etc. Always carry these with you - or most necessary ones.
Some tips on medicines / other edibles.

• Mint/ lemon losenges rich with Vitamin C. I found sucking on clove also helped me to keep my throat working all the time during Hajj.
• Fever Management (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
• Infections needing Antibiotics (Most common infection is Throat and Sinus infection)
• Diarreah (Avoid cheap street food if possible, always buy from a good takeaway)
• Re-hyderation sachets (to replace lost fluids and electrolytes  - absolute must during Hajj)
• Foot blisters (yes you will get them - so buy soothing cream, and blister plasters)
• Foot pain relief (no body can avoid this - so buy good foot relief cream - possibly Ibuprofen based)
• Soothing / Cooling eye drops
• Women may think of carrying drugs to delay the periods if necessary.

This list will grow if you need more medicines. Never assume you will get it in Saudi pharmacies - always carry what you need and how much you will need.

Avoid Cigarettes/ eCigs/ Chewing gum, Beetle nut, Paan Masaala or Paan etc. These are bad habits in their own rights- and surely you want to purify yourself going to Hajj. Use Hajj as a milestone to quit a bad habit - Pray for this during Hajj. Allah always guides those who are sincere in their plea for help to Him.

Carry a basic , light first aid kit. I was lucky and didn't have to use it. Perhaps useful to just keep it handy in case you or someone else in group needs it.


Just suggestion. Re-hyderation is key during Hajj with or without having Diarreah

3.Wet tissues. Absolute must for Hajj hence listing as a separate item. Take small handy unscened packets, approx one for every 2 days. Almost universal use - so you will not regret this purchase.

Just Suggestion. Try and get anti-bacterial wipes that are unscented

4.Toiletries etc. I bought a small drawstring gym sack for toiletries etc. It serves two purposes - one it keeping organised, also to hang it on a hook in toilets in Mina/ Arafaat/ Muzdalifaah etc . For women it will make sense to add things to below you may also need.



Having all toiltries in one place helps, in bags like this one

I also found it useful to carry resealable clear plastic bags just to organise small items better. I learnt that they may prove blessing if you have spills/ leaks as well.

Resealable clear plastic bags are very useful

• Toothbrush and small size toothpaste
• Cotton ear buds - carry only a few
• Small size bottles of unscented and scented liquid soap - avoid large quantities
• Nail clipper, Comb, Small scissors
• Shaving cream and razor/ shaver
• Small ball of cotton string cord - it is multi-use item
• Perfume/ Deo/ Attar
• Unscented Sunscreen/ Sunblock cream - with SPF 50 or above. I never used this in my life before, but realised it works wonders in 46-47 degree blaze of Saudi.
• Over door hooks - some toilets in Mina, Arafaat , Muzdalifaah may not have any hooks, or hooks are placed within shower's range. These are also useful in Mina camp to hang your stuff.
• Good quality emollient ointment , and Vaseline ( I found Diprobase+Vaseline combo works perfect ). Avoid gels or thin creams as they won't be effective. This is especially a must item for men - friction between thighs can seriously hurt so use this often during Hajj.

Over door hooks are useful

Diprobase works to reduce friction between thighs while walking - works better in combination of Vaseline

5.Food. Not all people like Saudi food, I didn't appreciate it fully myself. So carry what makes you comfortable. Food you carry will not go to waste as you can share it with fellow Hajjis at Mina camp. Or you can give it to people staying on roads in Mina or Arafaat. Please read Saudi customs guideline carefully before packing food items.

 

6.Money. Avoid exchanging money before leaving. Carry cash and exchange in Saudi. I carried £200 (approx 1100 SAR) and it was all good. Then I used ATM there to take out cash - also got good exchange rate. Only down side of using ATM is your bank will charge you fixed amount (normally 2-3 %  ) so if you want to use ATM , think of taking out at least 100 of your home currency.

7.Miscellaneous.

• I recommend do not carry expensive phones/ tabs/ laptops. But if you have to then ensure you also carry right power adapter, and possibly a power bank to save you from queue hassles.
• Durable , light and comforable flipflops - avoid brand new ones as they might bite. So buying ahead of travel to get comfortable is a good idea.
• Sunglasses - If you have to get prescription sunglasses, you won't regret money spent.
• Clothes - do not assume you will get laundry service easily in Saudi. There will be queues in and out of your hotel - so carry as much clothes as you may need. It is also good to carry washing powder or bar just in worst case you have to wash yourself at times.
• Ihraam/ Money belt - buy a good quality one, light yet strong. This is something you can easily get in Saudi as well.
• Extra Ihraam - good idea to carry just in case other gets dirty. You get this in Saudi as well.
• Hand and medium size bath towel - do not carry large size towels. Heat is so intense you won't need much of drying during the day in Mina etc.
• Thick umbrella , cap, sombrero, scarves to protect from heat. Available at cheap rates in Saudi.
• Water spray bottle to cool yourself and others around you. I regretted not carrying this with me. Available in Saudi easily.

Very refreshing thing I regretted not carrying with me





Outline of Days of Hajj

These are the days that can change lives forever. For me it was a personally touching experience. Hajj taught me many things  - foremost is the willingness to sacrifice the worldly comforts for the pleasure of Allah Rabbal Alameen. Patience - it is the name of the game as far as Hajj is concerned. It is highly improbable one goes to Hajj and returns without any practical touching experience in patience - I had mine, and I thank Allah for that.



Outline of Hajj Days

Q: What are the days of Hajj?
A: Starting with 8th - ending with 13th Zul Hajj. (13th Zul Hajj is optional as per the Quran)

Remember well, Islamic day ends at Sunset, and new day starts after it. Consider Maghrib salaat as marker for one day to end and new day to start. Just to elaborate with example - 8th Zul Hajj will actually start after Maghrib on 7th Zul Hajj. So in Islamic calendar, night of a date comes first and then the day !!

Q: What to do on 8th Zul Hajj?
A:  Trim nails, shave unwanted hair, clean yourself well, apply perfume before wearing clean Ihraam. Go into state of Ihraam saying Intention aloud.

Intention of going into State of Ihraam for Hajj or Umrah

This is normally done at your accommodation/ hotel. Reach Mina anytime between Fajr and Maghrib. Entire day is Sunnaah and there is no harm if whole day is missed due to any valid reason. This is a resting day. Rest well at Mina camp.

Perform Fajr at your accommodation/ hotel. At Mina,  Zuhr and Asr are combined and Qasr (Shortened - only 4 rakaahs to 2) - no Sunnaah/ Nafil. Maghrib and Isha Combined and Qasr - followed by Isha Witr.

Talbiyaah can start after Ihraam - it is said men from Companions of Rasul SAW were saying Talbiyaah in low voices, Jibraeel came and asked Rasul SAW to tell them to say it loudly. Women to say in low voices if among men, if only among women it can be said loudly. Saying Talbiyaah now will stop only on 10th Zul-Hajj after stoning to Big Jamarah is done. Until then it is Sunnaah to say Talbiyaah as much as possible.

Talbiyaah - is reciting aloud from point of entering into State of Ihraam until 10th Zul-Hajj first Jamaraah stoning

Q: What to do on 9th Zul Hajj?
A: This is the day of Arafaat. Rasul SAW said , the day of Arafaat is Hajj. If you miss this day - Hajj is void.  It is the most important Ruk of Hajj. Go to Arafaat after Fajr, but before Zuhr. Spend time in Zikr of Allah Rabbul Kareem. Soften your heart as much as possible to prepare for Waqoof between Zuhr and Maghrib. Best way to soften the heart is to read the Quraan. Plan well what will you ask for in front of Allah. List names of all people who have asked for Duaas- this is the time to keep their trusts and make Duaas on their behalf. This is the day of asking Allah what you cherish most - Janaah, total forgiveness from Hellfire, good life here and hereafter, health , Eeman, Taqwa, Closeness of Allah etc.

Waqoof e Arafaat: Waqoof is so important that you perform your Zuhr and Asr combined and Qasr at time of Zuhr. Waqoof between Zuhr and Maghrib is a Waajib. One need not stand all the time until Maghrib- but it is Sunnaah to do so between Asr and Maghrib - the best hour when Allah gives freedom to most of people from hell-fire. Cry your heart out as Allah is on the lowest heaven listening to your duas. Feel closeness of Allah - pray on behalf of all Hajjis. Pray for Ummah world over. Pray for your family , near and dear ones and especially for acceptance of Hajj.

Best praises are for Allah and Rasul SAW kept reciting this during Waqoof e Arafaat

Waqoof ends with Maghrib time. But Maghrib will not be performed in Arafaat. Leave Arafaat at Maghrib time for Muzdalifah.

Qayaam e Muzdalifah: After reaching Muzdalifah - combine Maghrib and Isha and Qasr followed by Isha Witr. Spend the night (of 10th Zul Hajj actually) in Muzdalifah. There is no Tahajjud during night stay over here. After spending night, offer Fajr Salaat in Muzdalifah, there is Waqoof of Muzdalifah after Fajr - which can be as brief as 1 second and it is considered done.

Rasool SAW granted a concession to the weak among his family, allowing them to leave Muzdalifah at night.

Q: What to do on 10th Zul Hajj?
A: This is day of EId-ul-Azhaa and the busiest, and most tiring of all days of Hajj. Prepare yourself mentally to walk long distances, to get lost, to get foot blisters and to get seriously tired. Alhamdulliah if you take one step, Allah will help you with many - so never get affected by the stories of this day - it's Your Hajj and you will have to undertake it - fully.

So what happens on this day?

There are 4 key rituals to be done on this day - these can be done in any sequence as Rasul SAW affirmed various people doing these in different sequences. Below is sequence done by Rasul SAW(Sunnaah).

1) Pelting of 7 pebbles to Big Jamarah - This can be done after Fajr but before Maghrib. No throwing of pebbles to other two Jamarahs. Takbeer 'Allahu-Akbar' is said before throwing each pebble.

Tabliyaah stops before this stoning. After this Takbeer is recited until the end of the Hajj. Especially Takbeer is said aloud after Farz Salaats.

Takbeer

(Credit with Thanks to http://www.ummulhasanaat.co.za)

2) Sacrifice - it is unlikely you will get to do this yourself. You can assume sacrifice is done by early morning - there is no way to confirm the exact timing unfortunately. Hajj agent may sent you text/ tell you - this should be sufficient as well.

3) Shaving of head (Men) or cutting hair lock (Women)

4) Tawaaf-az-Ziyarah (Also known as Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah, or Tawaaf-al-Hajj) and Saee between Safaa and Marwa

Note: Any 3 of above 4 will allow you to take off Ihraam (All restrictions now lifted except sexual intercourse). Once all 4 are complete - all restrictions are lifted fully.

Return to Mina camp for Qayaam / sleep over. Ideal is reaching before Maghrib - if not at least 1-2 hours before Fajr of 11th Zul Hajj (next day) is necessary. If you reach back to Mina after Fajr of 11th Zul Hajj - then Fidyaah is necessary.

Q: When can Tawaaf-ez-Ziyarah/ Tawaaf-al-Hajj/ Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah and Saee of Hajj be performed?
A: It is Sunnaah to perform it on 10th Zul Hajj before Zuhr.

However, it can be performed from midnight of 10th Zul Hajj , and its end is indefinite. Delaying it beyond the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah does not obligate a person to give Fidyaah, but it is disliked. Remember this is a Rukn (Pillar) of Hajj - if this is missed- the Hajj will be void. After Tawaaf, offer 2 Rakaat Salaah behind Maqaam-e-Ibrahim (or anywhere in Masjid-al-Haraam). Drink Zam-zam and perfom the Saee of Hajj. Saee can be delayed to any time before leaving Mecca, there is no stipulated end time to do Saee of Hajj.


Q: What to do on 11th and 12th of Zul Hajj?
A: Both days are spent in Mina camp. Stoning of all 3 Jamaraahs is done on each day , that is 21 stones for each day are needed.

Stoning on these days is done after Zuhr (unlike 10th Zul Hajj where it is done after Fajr).
Stone Small Jamaraah first keeping Kabaa on your left. Then move to left facing Kabaa, and make duaas. Proceed to Middle Jamaraah, keeping Kabaa on your left. Then move to left facing Kabaa, and make duaas. Proceed to Big Jamaraah, keeping Kabaa on your left. No duaas is made after this.

If you do not intend to spend 13th Zul Hajj in Mina, then it is necessary to leave Mina before Maghrib on 12th Zul Hajj. If you stay in Mina after Maghrib of 12th Zul Hall - then Fidyaah will be necessary. In such case you do not want to spend 13th in Zul Hajj in Mina, then you may straightaway proceed to Mecca / your accommodation / Hotel. Your Hajj is complete now.

Q: What to do on 13th of Zul Hajj?
A: This is an optional day because of below Ayaat in the Quraan. Stoning on this day is done after Zuhr (unlike 10th Zul Hajj where it is done after Fajr).

[2:203] You shall commemorate GOD for a number of days (in Mina); whoever hastens to do this in two days commits no sin, and whoever stays longer commits no sin, so long as righteousness is maintained. You shall observe GOD, and know that before Him you will be gathered.

Stone Small Jamaraah first keeping Kabaa on your left. Then move to left facing Kabaa, and make duaas. Proceed to Middle Jamaraah, keeping Kabaa on your left. Then move to left facing Kabaa, and make duaas. Proceed to Big Jamaraah, keeping Kabaa on your left. No duaas is made after this. You may straightaway proceed to Mecca / your accommodation / Hotel. Your Hajj is complete now.

Some Basics About Hajj

By the grace of Allah I returned to the UK safely from Hajj 2015. It was a journey marked with compassion, devotion, patience, dedication, perseverance and strong feelings of oneness with rest of Ummah. In the first post I would like to give just a brief overview of basics of Hajj and slowly I will try to build on the details.

Hajj is of 3 types
A) Hajj Qiraan This is the type of Hajj Rasul SAW performed. It is characterised by one doing Hajj after the Umraah 'without' coming of Ihraam after Umraah.

B ) Hajj Ifraad  This is type of Hajj where one goes into state of Ihraam with intention of Hajj , without performing Umraah.

C) Hajj Tamatto (Literally Hajj with Pleasure - as one enjoys time off Ihraam ) This is type of Hajj where one performs Umraah and takes off Ihraam / goes out of state of Ihraam, until it is time for Hajj when state of Ihraam is again resumed with intention of Hajj.

Rasul SAW , though he did Hajj Qiraan, He is reported to have said that he would like to do Hajj Tamatto if Allah gave him another life - Subhaan Allah. Most of us who travel to Saudi Arabia perform Hajj Tamatto.

Q: What is difference between wearing Ihraam and going into state of Ihraam?
A: For men Ihraam constitutes two pieces of  non-stitched cloths, sufficiently sized to cover their Auraah (from belly button down to knees) and their upper torso. For women their normal dress is their Ihraam which covers their Auraah (all body except face, hands, feet).

Wearing Ihraam does not necessarily mean going into The state of Ihraam. One goes into state of Ihraam after wearing Ihraam - and saying intention why Ihraam is worn. Intention is same for both Umraah and Hajj - which must be said aloud unlike most of other intentions which are said in heart.
Once intention is said, one goes into The state of Ihraam - and all restrictions of Ihraam apply now.

Intention of going into State of Ihraam (for Umraah or Hajj)

Q: What are restrictions while in the state of Ihraam (for both men and women)?
A: Below are restrictions - if any one or multiple are violated, fidyaah is necessary.
     1) (Men & Women) Shaving/ trimming/ cutting/ plucking of hair
     2) (Men & Women) Trimming/ cutting/ biting/ plucking of nails.
     3) (Men only ) Wearing stitched / sewn/ body fitting cloths.
     4) (Men only ) Covering head by anything.
     5) (Men & Women) Applying/ spraying/ smelling with pleasure any perfume/ fragrance.
     6) (Men & Women) Hunting any animal (Except for poisonous / obviously harmful ones).
     7) (Men & Women) Proposing for marriage/ liaising for marriage/ hunting for spouse/ acting as  agent for marriage/ and getting actually married.
     8) (Men & Women) Touching/ kissing/ groping with intimacy/ foreplay.
     9) (Men & Women) Sexual intercourse.

Q: What if I unintentionally do any of above?
A: Last three in list mentioned above are unlikely to be done without clear understanding/ knowledge of the act. So this is more or less applicable to first 6. If it is done by mistake/ forgetfulness and one immediately realises the mistake - then there is no fidyaah.

However; out of necessity one needs to do any of restricted act then fidyaah must be given. Examples are use of perfume if body odour is unbearable to those around, covering head if cold is unbearable, cutting / shaving hair if afflicted with skin/ scalp diseases (proven by a Hadith).

Q: What is fidyaah and can I combine it?
A: Fidyaah is compensation for missing or acting against ruling of any of Wajibaat (Obligatory acts).
Fidyaah is to be given for every act missed or done intentionally against the ruling. You cannot combine various fidyaahs into just one, all must be given separately.

Fidyaah can be any one of the following, without any specific order or preference - one can choose any without any issue.

     1) Feed 6 people normal food within boundary of Haram - generally speaking, within Mecca.
     2) Hadi / Qurbaani of one animal within boundary of Haram - generally speaking, within Mecca.
     3) Fast for 3 days - these can be done after Hajj at your convenience but before next Hajj.

Q: Is Umraah Part of Hajj?
A: No. But it is recommended to combine Umraah with Hajj (in Hajj Tamatto).

Q: What if I miss to perform Umraah before Hajj? Will my Hajj be still valid?
A: Yes. As long as you do not miss any Arkaan (Pillars) of Hajj.

Q: What are Arkaan, Wajibaat and Sunhaah of Hajj?
A: Arkaan is plural of Rukn - these are Pillars or Mandatory acts of Hajj. If any is missed - there will be no Hajj and one has to do Hajj again.

There are 3 Arkaan of Hajj
     1) Saying intention while going into The state of Ihraam
     2) To spend time in the Arafaat after noon of 9th Zul Hajj
     3) To do Tawaaf-az-Ziyarah (Also known as Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah, or Tawaaf-al-Hajj) and Saee.

Wajibaat is plural of Wajib, which are obligatory acts of Hajj. If any is missed it can be compensated by Fidyaah mentioned above.There are various Wajibaat of Hajj including below
     1) Saying intention with spoken words while going into state of Ihram
     2) To be at the Arafaat (called as Waqoof of Arafaat) from noon till Dusk on 9th Zul Hajj
     3) To spend night of 10th Zul Hajj in Muzdalifah
     4) To trim or shave off hair (Men ) , or to cut small hair lock (Women) after sacrifice of animal on 10th Zul Hajj
     5) To stone small Jamrah on 10th Zul Hajj after Fajr. To stone all 3 Jamaraat on 11th and 12th Zul Hajj after Zawaal. To stone all 3 Jamaraat on 13th Zul Hajj if night of 13th Zul Hajj is spent in Mina (Qiyaam in Mina)
     6) Spend night or part of night of 11th and 12th Zul Hajj in Mina (known as Qiyaam).
     7) To do Tawaf-al-Wada (farewell Tawaaf - usually last act of worship in Masjid al Haraam)

Sunaahs - doing as Rasul SAW did in simple terms. But in the context here, these are the acts separate from Wajibaat and Arkaan that Rasul SAW did - missing them will do no harm nor invite any Fidayaah but doing them is recommended and rewarding.

Q: When to wear Ihraam for Umraah, where to wear it?
A: Ihraam is ideally worn from certain designated places called as 'Meeqats' dotted around Mecca and Madinah.

Going first to Mecca: Those who intend to travel first to Mecca with intention of Umraah or Hajj(in case of Ifraad)- they must go into state of Ihraam before reaching Meeqat closest to their landing destination. For example - those who are landing in Jeddah, Meeqaat Al-Juhfah is approximately 5-10 mins of air time. If you are traveling on a Muslim airlines it is almost certain their will be announcement made when plane is approximately over Meeqat. It is best to say intention while on or before Meeqat. If intention is not said before Meeqat, Fidyaah can be given.

After performing Umrah if one wishes to travel to outside Mecca (including Madinaah), they will not need to go into state of Ihraam before returning to Mecca. There is only one rare exception to this - which is if on return to Mecca they would straightway want to head to Mina on 8th Zul-Hajj without going to hotel or a place in Mecca they can wear and go into state of Ihraam.

Going first to Madinah , or Any other place except Mecca: Those traveling to Madinah first do not need to go into Ihraam at all before landing. Once they are ready to travel to Mecca with intention of Umraah they can go into state of Ihraam in the nearest Meeqat near Madinah - Zul-Hulaifah. Once Umraah is done, they can take off Ihraam if intention is for Hajj Tamatto. They can then freely travel in/out of Mecca until going into state of Ihraam for Hajj.

Q: Do I have to wear Ihraam while returning to Mecca even after I have done my Umraah?
A: No. One need not go into state of Ihraam just to return to Mecca after Umraah has been already done before they left Mecca originally. Given they will have time to return into state of Ihraam before Hajj on 8th Zul-Hajj - there is no need to do so before entering Mecca- it can very well be done at convenience of your accommodation in Mecca,

See approx map of Meeqat locations

Locations of Meeqaats

(Credit with Thanks to: http://www.lepelerinage.com/cartes_arabie_saoudite.html)